簡介
ZQCS
讓您掌握長壽邏輯量子位挑戰的工具
ZQCS 量子控制系統是 Zurich Instruments 為操作千量子位（1000-qubit）等級量子電腦所提出的解決方案。此系統旨在解決邁向容錯量子運算（fault-tolerant quantum computing）過程中的關鍵挑戰：實現大規模操作、掌握量子錯誤更正（QEC），並將量子保真度提升至更高層級。ZQCS 量子控制系統是 Zurich Instruments 為操作千量子位（1000-qubit）等級量子電腦所提出的解決方案。此系統旨在解決邁向容錯量子運算（fault-tolerant quantum computing）過程中的關鍵挑戰：實現大規模操作、掌握量子錯誤更正（QEC），並將量子保真度提升至更高層級。
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系統重點
- 模組化系統，可彈性組合量子位控制與讀出通道
- 強大的即時處理架構，針對量子錯誤更正最佳化
- 每個 19 吋機架最多可達 1092 個通道
- 採用第一奈奎斯特區（first Nyquist zone）直接射頻訊號產生，提供市場領先的訊噪比
- 可從單一機架或機箱無縫擴展至多機架系統
- 提供完整控制軟體介面，涵蓋 pulse、gate 與 workflow 層級
真正可擴展的系統
可擴展的量子控制始於一種可在前所未有系統規模下可靠運作的架構，並延伸至易維護性、低營運成本，以及與既有基礎設施的無縫相容性。
ZQCS 透過將專用量子控制技術整合至已在電信與大型物理實驗中驗證的架構中來實現此目標。其同步機制針對大規模量子程式執行進行最佳化，透過維持統一系統時鐘（wall clock），確保在正確時間發出正確的脈衝。高密度設計使每個 19 吋機架可容納超過 1000 個通道。此外，系統已測試可在水冷機櫃中運行，以最佳方式管理散熱、溫度波動，以及工作環境健康與安全。
無界限的 QEC 研究
為了開發用於穩定量子處理單元的解碼器，需要將量子計算與經典計算資源緊密整合。為了達到最快的研究進展，量子研發需要在資源整合方式上具備完全的彈性。ZQCS 提供即時運算能力，並允許研究人員自由運用。每個系統層架都配備一個可程式化 FPGA，並可直接存取最多 364 個通道。多個系統層架可透過全網狀網路自由連接。RoCE（RDMA over Converged Ethernet）介面則提供與傳統 CPU / GPU 計算資源之間的高頻寬、低延遲連結。
實現最佳量子保真度
邁向容錯量子運算的技術，取決於能否在大型量子晶片上可靠地提升量子保真度。ZQCS 的類比設計建立於對控制誤差與去相干（decoherence）機制的深入理解，使系統能支援將量子保真度提升至超過五個九（> 99.999%），且不受控制系統限制。
ZQCS 透過採用第一奈奎斯特區直接射頻技術的類比前端來達成此目標。該架構在量子位控制所需的關鍵訊號特性上提供最佳平衡︰市場上最高的訊噪比、低雜散訊號（spurs）、穩定的振幅與相位及低延遲。
可擴展的軟體架構
量子計算堆疊的上層存在許多不確定因素，可能會減慢甚至阻礙量子系統的擴展，例如效能瓶頸、脆弱的調校流程（tune-up workflows）及不可靠的介面。Zurich Instruments 的可擴展軟體架構可有效控制這些風險。
LabOne Q 允許使用者在適當的抽象層級設計複雜實驗，例如：Pulse、Gate及Workflow層級。最佳化的編譯器與執行環境會將這些設計以最小的系統負擔映射至硬體。經驗證的自動化支援可確保從單一晶片到大型系統都維持一致的效能。
通道規格
ZQCS 提供 3 種通道類型，可用於控制與讀出多種超導量子位（superconducting qubits）。所有通道均透過高密度 multicoax SMP 連接器提供。
微波（MW）控制通道
- 24 GSa/s，16 bit直接射頻輸出
- 0.1 至 10.5 GHz頻率範圍
- 1.6 GHz即時頻寬
- 高訊噪比：−160 dBFS/Hz
- 每個 multicoax SMP 提供 7 個輸出
微波（MW）讀出通道
- 12 bit低延遲 ADC 輸入
- 3 至 11.5 GHz輸入頻率範圍
- 1.4 GHz即時頻寬
- 24 GSa/s，16 bit，0.1 至 10.5 GHz直接射頻輸出
- 每個 multicoax SMP 提供 2 個輸入與 2 個輸出
低頻（LF）控制通道
- 2 GSa/s，16 bit
- ±2 V（50 Ω 負載）輸出範圍
- DC 至 300 MHz（−3 dB 頻寬）頻率範圍
- 12 nV/√Hz（> 100 kHz）低電壓雜訊
- 每個 multicoax SMP 提供 7 個輸出
模組
ZQCS 系統由一個或多個 SHL14 系統層架組成，每個層架包含 14 個模組插槽。其中最多 13 個插槽可用於安裝類比 I/O 模組。這些模組提供三種型式，其 MW 控制、MW 讀出與 LF 控制通道數量不同：
- MWM2102 微波模組：21 × MW 控制、2 × MW 讀出 I/O
- MWM1404 微波模組：14 × MW 控制、4 × MW 讀出 I/O
- LFM2800 低頻模組：28 × LF 控制
透過自由組合這些模組，可以細緻的配置所需通道數。
此外，每個 SHL14 系統層架還包含一個 TDM14 時序與解碼模組。TDM14 為同一層架內的所有類比 I/O 模組提供同步與資料通訊功能，並支援不同層架之間在彈性網路拓撲中的通訊。透過其可程式化 FPGA，TDM14 亦可在量子錯誤更正應用中作為解碼資源使用。
Your tool to master the long-lived logical qubit challenge
The ZQCS Quantum Control System is Zurich Instruments' solution to operate 1000-qubit-scale quantum computers. It is built to tackle the pivotal challenges on the path towards fault-tolerant quantum computing: operate at scale, master quantum error correction, and push quantum fidelities to the next level.
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Highlights
- Modular system with flexible combination of qubit control and readout channels
- Powerful real-time processing architecture optimized for quantum error correction
- Up to 1092 channels per 19'' rack
- Market-leading signal-to-noise ratio with first Nyquist zone direct RF signal generation
- Scales seamlessly from single shelf/chassis to multi‑shelf
- Comprehensive control software interface at pulse, gate, and workflow level
Truly scalable
Scalable quantum control begins with an architecture trusted to operate flawlessly at unprecedented system sizes, and continues with serviceability, low operating cost, and seamless infrastructure compatibility.
The ZQCS delivers this by embedding specialized quantum control technology in a framework proven in telecom and big‑physics experiments. Its synchronization scheme is optimized for large-scale quantum program execution, maintaining a wall clock to always play the right pulse at the right time. A high-density design allows for over 1000 channels per 19 inch rack, and the system is tested for operation in water-cooled enclosure to optimally manage heat dissipation, thermal fluctuations, and workplace health & safety.
QEC research without boundaries
Developing decoders to stabilize the quantum processing unit requires a tight integration of quantum and classical computing resources. For fastest progress, quantum R&D needs full flexibility in how these resources are combined. The ZQCS provides real-time compute power with the freedom to use it without bounds. Each shelf hosts a programmable FPGA with direct access to up to 364 channels. Multiple shelves are freely connected in a full-mesh network. A RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) interface serves as a high-bandwidth, low-latency link to classical computing CPU/GPU resources.
Enabling best quantum fidelities
The roadmap to fault-tolerant quantum computing depends on boosting quantum fidelities reliably on large chips. With an analog design led by a deep insight into control error and decoherence mechanisms, the ZQCS enables your push for quantum fidelities beyond 5 nines without limits imposed by the control.
The ZQCS achieves this with an analog front end based on direct-RF technology in the first Nyquist zone. It offers the optimal balance of signal properties most relevant to qubit control: the highest SNR on the market, low spurs, stable amplitude and phase, low latency.
Scalable software stack
The upper layers of the quantum stack bears far too many uncertainties that can slow down or even block quantum computing scale-up: performance ceilings, fragile tune-up workflows, and unreliable interfaces. Zurich Instruments’ scalable software architecture keeps these risks in check.
LabOne Q lets users design complex experiments at the right abstraction: pulse, gate, or workflow. An optimized compiler and runtime map them to hardware with minimal overhead. Proven automation support keeps performance consistent from single chips to large systems.
Channel specifications
The ZQCS provides 3 channel types for control and readout of a broad range of superconducting qubit types. All are provided on high-density multicoax SMP connectors.
Microwave (MW) control channel
- Direct RF, 24 GSa/s, 16 bit
- 0.1 to 10.5 GHz frequency range
- 1.6 GHz instantaneous bandwidth
- High signal-to-noise ratio of −160 dBFS/Hz
- 7 outputs per multicoax SMP
Microwave (MW) readout channel
- Low-latency ADC input, 12 bit
- 3 to 11.5 GHz input frequency range
- 1.4 GHz instantaneous bandwidth
- Output: Direct RF, 24 GSa/s, 16 bit, 0.1 to 10.5 GHz
- 2 inputs and 2 outputs per multicoax SMP
Low-frequency (LF) control channel
- 2 GSa/s, 16 bit
- Output range ±2 V into 50 Ω
- DC to 300 MHz (−3 dB bandwidth)
- Low voltage noise of 12 nV/√Hz (> 100 kHz)
- 7 outputs per multicoax SMP
Modules
The ZQCS is composed of one or multiple SHL14 System Shelves with 14 module slots each. Up to 13 of these slots are available for analog I/O modules. Those come in 3 variants with different counts of MW control, MW readout, and LF control channels:
- MWM2102 Microwave Module: 21× MW control, 2× MW readout I/O
- MWM1404 Microwave Module: 14× MW control, 4× MW readout I/O
- LFM2800 Low-Frequency Module: 28× LF control
By free combination of those modules, you can realize your desired channel counts with fine granularity.
In addition, each SHL14 System Shelf holds one TDM14 Timing and Decoding Module. The TDM14 provides synchronization and data communication for all analog I/O modules within a shelf, as well as inter-shelf communication in a flexible network topology. Through its programmable FPGA, it serves as a decoder resource in quantum error correction applications.